Getting kids outside this winter

BY LUCA GROSS

Press-Republican

SARANAC — The New Land Trust encourages outdoor recreation during the colder months with the Youth Equipment Lending Program.

The NLT will begin the annual program Saturday at 10 a.m. to noon at the New Land Trust, located at 236 Plumadore Road, Saranac. Alternative pick-up schedules can be arranged.

While supplies last, the program lends cross-country skis and snow shoes to all Clinton County residents under 18 years of age. When signing equipment out, a designated drop-off date in the spring will be scheduled.

The Youth Equipment Lending Program started two years ago when the Clinton County Youth Bureau awarded the NLT a grant to purchase new equipment, including cross-country skis, poles and snowshoes. The NLT also accepts donations of used gear.

Hal Moore, a member of the NLT Board of Directors, said the program is designed to encourage the youth to have fun outdoors during the winter.

“The New Land Trust encourages people to use our trails and get out in nature, exercise and appreciate nature,” he said. “This is a way for us to make that easier for

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people who can’t afford to purchase equipment or are trying it out for the first time and don’t know whether they want to invest in that and maybe just try it out.”

Moore said a connection to nature is what helps inspire preservation efforts, another goal of the program.

“To appreciate nature, explore the outside. and if you can appreciate nature, you’ll probably be more likely to help preserve it.”

One of the main benefits of outdoor recreational activity in the winter is mental health, he said, something residents in the North Country face every winter.

“If you live in this area, you have a choice to either embrace winter or just hibernate,” he said. “I think it’s better to embrace it, get out and enjoy it.

“It’s going to be better for your mental health to get out and exercise and be in nature rather than to just look at winter as something to get through.”

Skis and snowshoes can be signed out for a day, weekend or until spring. If there is a time conflict with scheduled events, alternative times can be arranged.

For more information about the program or to schedule a pick up or donation, contact Hal Moore at 518-570-5375 or message the New Land Trust Facebook page.